Philippine Criminal Law Basics Quiz

Overview of Criminal Law in the Philippines

• The Code of Kalantiao was the first penal law in the Philippines before the Spanish colonization.
• The Spanish Codigo Penal was extended to the Philippines in 1870 but did not cater to Filipino customs and traditions.
• The Revised Penal Code, drafted by a committee headed by Anacleto Diaz, took effect in 1932.
• Law is a rule of conduct promulgated by competent authority for common observance and benefit.
• Crime is an act committed in violation of public law forbidding or commanding it.
• Felony is an act or omission punishable by the Revised Penal Code.
• Offense is an act or omission punishable by special laws.
• Criminal law is a branch of public or municipal law that defines crimes, treats of their nature, and provides for their punishment.
• Omission means inaction or failure to do a positive duty.
• Act means any bodily movement tending to produce some effect in the external world.
• The three philosophies underlying criminal law systems are Classical/Juristic, Positive/Realistic, and Eclectic/Mixed.
• The basic maxims in criminal law include Doctrine of Pro Reo, Nullum Crimen Nulla Poena Sine Legis, Actus non Facit Reum, Nisi Mens Sit Rea, and Actus me invito est meus actus.